Start Your Own Business in Porchester

If you are starting a business in Porchester, you have come to the right place!

Start Your Own Business in Porchester contains masses of free resources and the useful information that will help you get your new venture off the ground. It also highlights local organisations who offer friendly business advice and services that you need.

Everything that you will find on the site is free or very low cost and includes our free start-up pack, a series of factsheets which cover all of the key considerations, relevant templates, links to other useful resources and our free downlodable Start Your Own Business book.

Every year, over 400,000 people start a business in the UK and, apparently, at any one time, up to a fifth of the working population would like to join them. If this is you, we would love top help turn your dream into reality by sharing some of the information that you will need to make your venture a success.

We have been helping new business start-ups for the past 18 years and this Porchester section has been in place since 2005. Accordingly, we have amassed an enormous amount of relevant useful start-up information which we are happy to share with you free of charge. This will enable you to learn from those who help start-ups and from the lessons learned by people, just like you, who have already set up on their own.

Local contacts

We hope that you find the site useful and wish you the very best of luck on your exciting journey. If you are unsure of where to start, can I suggest that you get a feel for what is going on locally by following the links on this page. They will give you an idea of what advice and support is available in the area. Also we have pages dedicated to networking, free advice, funding, and grants

If you would like to know the proven steps that can make the difference between business start-up success and failure, our popular FREE start-up pack contains a step-by-step guide, templates, factsheets and a copy of our unique business start-up map.

Alternatively, we have also created our own new business 99 point start-up checklist which will give you a clear overview of the key subjects which need to be mastered on your road to success

Start-Up Success

The sad truth is that too many new ventures do not even reach their first anniversary. However, the good news is that this does not have to be the case. Running your own business is not an easy option but many of the pitfalls can be avoided with some careful research and planning in the early stages. This site has been designed with the sole aim of increasing the survival rate locally by raising awareness of both the right and wrong ways of starting a new business and promoting the businesses and organisations in Porchester who would love to help you.

Recommended Local Partner

Can You Help Local Start-ups?

We are keen to locate one firm to act as our primary sponsor and recommended local partner for the area. SYOB has been established for over 10 years, it ranks well in Google results and could be a great way of attracting NEW local business.

* Your logo in the 'Partners' box (top right of this page).
* Your logo, description and link to your site HERE!
* Exclusive - only one company per area.

FREE Book

Start Your Own Business In Hampshire

This free 180 page book is packed with start-up information and contact details designed to help you start your business successfully.

We have been running SYOB for over 10 years now and have accumulated an enormous amount of information which could make the difference between start-up success or failure.

Starting a business is easy but keeping it going and making a profit is a completely different proposition. The good news is that there are tried and tested 'rules' which have consistently proved to work.

FREE Book

Start Your Own Business In Hampshire

This free 180 page book is packed with start-up information and contact details designed to help you start your business successfully.

We have been running SYOB for over 10 years now and have accumulated an enormous amount of information which could make the difference between start-up success or failure.

Starting a business is easy but keeping it going and making a profit is a completely different proposition. The good news is that there are tried and tested 'rules' which have consistently proved to work.

FREE Start-Up Pack

Our FREE start-up pack contains everything that you need to get you started.

It is a common trait amongst entrepreneurs to just want to 'get on with it'. However, if you want to maximise your chances of success, it is worth putting in time and effort before you start to ensure that you have set-up correctly.

One-time registration required but this unlocks all of the free resources on the site.

StartUp Latest

Keep up to date with the most recent business thinking from around the world

We try to keep our eyes open for useful and interesting news stories and useful resources which could help if you are starting up or running a small business. Hopefully, this will save you the time and trouble! The latest additions are...

Porchester Local Contacts

If you can help new business start ups or
existing small businesses in the Porchester
area, we would love to promote you here free of charge.
(Add Your Business)

4 great reasons to be part of 4Networking
1. Flexibility and reach
4N gives you access to a unique joined-up national business network. Our ‘Passport membership’ lets you choose from 5000+ 4Networking events each year. We have groups in most major towns and cities in the UK. Use your Passport to network locally, regionally and even nationally.
Choose from Breakfast, Lunch and Evening meetings + join the UK’s fastest growing Facebook business group - just search on Facebook for ‘4Networking Community’.
2. A stream of business appointments
Bypass gatekeepers by having three 10-minute 1-2-1s at every 4N meeting, with people you choose. Also use 1-2-1s to find trusted suppliers. 1-2-1s are one of the key elements in our relaxed yet productive meeting format, which is tried, tested and loved by our members.
3. Relaxed, fun and friendly networking
At 4N, it’s easy to just be yourself. At our meetings and online we’ve created an unstuffy environment. The cornerstone of 4N’s ethos is Meet>Like>Know>Trust, as it’s the best way to gain customers, collaborations and suppliers. If this sounds like your kind of place, then become part of the 4N community.
4. A platform to demonstrate your expertise
We give you so many ways to raise your profile and establish yourself as the go-to person in your field. In the room and online, being able to offer ‘4Sight’ presentations can gain you a massive audience. Plus of course, you and your business benefit from other 4N members’ advice and help.
Established for over 11 years, 4Networking is helping thousands of business owners to grow their businesses. It’s business networking the British way.
Register at www.4networking.biz (it takes 2 minutes) and then you can book your first meeting, to see how 4N will work for you. Browse our list of meetings here: www.4networking.biz/events. Or call our Support Desk team on 0345 123 4444.

Highbury College, based in Cosham, offers a number of adult courses which may help with your start-up plans. Of specific interest may be the Level 2 'First Steps To Enterprise'. This will give you a basic understanding of some of the key subjects like maketing, legal and finance.

BNI is a professional organisation that allows only one person from each trade or profession to join a chapter. With over 7,800 chapters, and 211,000 members, it is the most successful business referral organisation in the world and has been for over 32 years. Once you have joined, there is no conflict in passing leads, and none of your competitors can participate!
Here is what some of our members say:
“I was amazed to make my annual membership fee back within a month of joining BNI” HR, Southampton
“17 years of BNI membership and I am still getting 55% of my business from it” Accountant, Fleet
“A member from BNI in New Zealand contacted me to do some work for them on a house in Havant they had been left and wanted to sell. It turned in to 10 more referrals for my fellow members” Gardening Company, Romsey
"When starting my own business, I missed the support I used to get from my employer and colleagues. My BNI Chapter are now like my family - they motivate, inspire, encourage and challenge me." Therapist, Fareham

Your One Stop Shop for Business Support
The service supports businesses based in the Solent LEP area and signposts businesses to relevant support options available to them.
Whether this is training, marketing, premises, funding, mentoring or something completely different the Navigators can help.
The service is completely free and is on hand to guide you through the complexity of support options available.
Let us do the hard work for you and Call the Navigator
01329 820 898

Since 2006, Cibas has helped more than 600 artists and creative businesses with one-to-one advice and guidance. In the same period, more than 2,000 individuals have accessed Cibas training, networking and continuing professional development opportunities.Cibas, Purple Door, University of Portsmouth, 28 Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth PO1 2DD. Tel: 023 9284 6232

We are an established local firm of accountants who have served the small business community in Hampshire and the surrounds for many years.
We deal exclusively with start up and young, growing businesses and have over 100 years of combined experience in this field. Consequently, we have little doubt that you will conclude we know all there is to know when it comes to providing sound advice and services to new entrepreneurs covering bookkeeping, accounting, business tax, company tax, VAT, payroll and all other relevant financial and corporate matters.
What neither you or we know though is the most important thing of all - are we the type of people and personalities you'd be happy to have on your team? Why not judge for yourself by meeting us for a free initial consultation; it's the only way to find out and it won't cost you anything!

A House Full Of Digital Marketing Experts….
Here at Digital House, we all love digital marketing! We’re passionate about doing it better than anyone else. With Digital House you don’t just get a design agency, you get a whole team of digital experts supporting the growth of your business in the right direction.
We understand your business with a passion.
Our team are dedicated to our promise of delivering an increase of enquiries and to building your business to the next level.
The combination of our expertise and the way we work is what sets us apart from others.
We’re refreshingly honest and our customers stay with us because they want to – we have no tie-in clauses.
Based in Tadley near Basingstoke, covering North Hampshire.
Free Digital Insight Workshop
Free digital insight workshop to get more from digital marketing.
We take the mist away from what is Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), AdWords, Social Media, E-Newsletters, Google Maps and Google My Business, giving you plenty of tips on how to make digital marketing work for you.
Venue: Our offices at Heath End House, Tadley, RG26 3SD
Book now: http://www.digitalhousemd.co.uk/digital-insight-booking

Businesses of all sizes are welcome, we meet to make connections, talk about our businesses and find ways of helping each other.
It's a great opportunity to meet like minded people in an informal, friendly atmosphere. Come along, do some networking, and have some fun! If you understand the value of face to face networking - come along - if you haven't yet experienced it - come along - its informal, friendly and people do business!
There is no prior booking, no registration, no fees and no pressure!
Please pass these details on to anyone who you feel will benefit from our great networking groups.
Everybody is welcome! Bring plenty of business cards and some promotional material and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this unstructured networking group.
Contact: Alan Lowe
Portsmouth City Council
alan.lowe@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Venue: Portsmouth Enterprise Centre
Quartremaine Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO3 5QT

The FSB Business Creation package has been specially designed for those looking to start up, or have recently started a small business. Tailored benefits will help you get your business off the ground and we’ll be with you each step of the way. Join today for £129.

Hampshire Chamber is a business support organisation. We assist businesses raise their profile, get connected to new customers and contacts, keep them up to date with relevant business information and are a voice for the business community at local and national Government level. We organise over 100 events ranging from speed networking, breakfast briefings on economic issues, 'behind the scenes' visits, and workshops that enhance your skills. Call us for chat or have a look at our website.

A site dedicated to helping businesses who are planning to relocate or move premises in the Portsmouth area. The area is represented by The Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (Solent LEP) and the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH). They can help you find the right commercial property or site, identify funding and incentives as well as assistance with recruitment and training.

Junior Chamber International (JCI) is a global network for young people in their 20s and 30s. We are present in more than 100 countries and have almost 200,000 members across the world. Meeting on a regular basis for fun and friendship, we run many inspiring events and projects with our members.

With more than 20 years’ experience as a Marketer, mostly in small and not-for-profit organisations, Claire prides herself on having a very practical approach to marketing strategy and planning. Since taking the decision to work freelance, Claire has worked alongside clients to – amongst other things – conduct marketing audits, plan new ventures and raise social media profiles.
Claire is happy to work on a retainer, project or day-by-day basis, to fit around a clients’ needs. She will also offer a free initial consultation to help scope the possibilities.
“I tend to find most of the clients I work with have come to the conclusion that they might need some marketing but don’t know where to start; that’s where I come in!” Claire says. “I love to be useful and it gives me a real buzz when I can make a difference.”
Claire also has an address book full of specialist contacts, so if you need to call in a web-designer, photographer or printer, she will be able to make some recommendations.
Claire is a History & Politics graduate who achieved the Chartered Institute of Marketing’s Postgraduate Diploma in 2001. She is a Chartered Marketer.
Get in touch with Claire by email: claire@minerva-marketing.co.uk or phone: 07957 28811, or follow her on Twitter @MinervaMkting

The Portsmouth Business Exchange network group meets every Wednesday morning at the Portsmouth Harbour Yacht Club at Port Solent Marina. The venue, just past David Lloyd's leisure centre on the right, is modern and comfortable and on bright summer mornings, the group has held networking activities on the quayside which provides an invigorating start to the day!

Would you like to learn more about business? Portsmouth Business School offers full and part time, postgraduate and MBA courses. It also undertakes research and prides itself on being approachable if local businesses are in need of advice.

You may well have seen the Portsmouth Technopole as you drive into the city via the M275. As an innovation centre, it can offer you: office space, virtual offices, and meeting rooms. They are always happy to hear from enterprising companies who are starting up and are looking for business premises.

Do you have a business idea and passion that you want to turn into a reality?
Are you currently self employed and need to update your knowledge about running your business?
Radian EST invite you to ‘Go Your Own Way’!
See our website for more details.

Shaping the Future of Portsmouth is an organisation made up of local business people who have combined their skills and experience to help improve the commercial landscape of the area. The Business & Enterprise Group has been set up to support small business start-ups and to help them grow. This includes offering workshops and networking opportunities in the city.

The Solent Growth Hub offers businesses in the Solent LEP area simplified access to a range of information, advice and support services provided nationally and locally. Helping individuals, organisations and businesses - from start-ups to established operations to find funding, support initiatives and services that can best help them achieve their growth potential.

SBGN is a not for profit CIC - a cluster of independent business owners who work together to support the development of new start-ups and existing small businesses within the Solent Region. The directors run their own businesses and come with a wealth of support, knowledge and contacts and their Trusted Partner network provide an even wider range of services as well as providing mentoring and coaching for businesses. SBGN partner with local agencies including Enterprise First, WSX Enterprise. Hampshire Chamber and FSB. The cluster is very active in the region with workshops, seminars and events promoting the idea of "Starting your own business".

Start-Up Disruptors was founded by Becky Lodge and Laura Kenward.
As female entrepreneurs starting their own businesses in 2015, they were horrified to find that lots of small business owners were being ‘ripped off’ by unscrupulous suppliers – so decided to do something about it.
Having been to lots of other local events, they decided that there wasn’t one that met the unique requirements of those developing their ideas (before taking them to market), or those in the early stages of starting their own businesses and scaling up. So StartUp Disruptors was formed by 9 people in a pub.
The monthly format of meeting in a pub, to discuss business issues and problems has grown from nine people to over 1,000 community members online on the Meetup platform too.

FSB Wessex
FSB Wessex is the local branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). It was formed in 1974 as the National Federation of Self Employed and represents the interests of small and medium-sized businesses locally and nationally. They offer a great package tailored to your needs if you are thinking about starting a business in the area. Contact: Neil Eames Development Manager Neil.Eames@fsb.org.uk Contact via website or e-mail.

Hampshire County Council
Visit the business section of the Hampshire County Council website to find local support, Hampshire business directory, Hampshire Ambassadors, support for rural businesses, economic facts & figures, Invest in Hampshire, find a business premises. The Castle, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 8UJ 0845 603 5638

Network Pompey Business Club - Network My Club
Powered by Portsmouth FC's Business Club Partner, Network My Club, Network Pompey offers quality monthly networking in Portsmouth, a host of exciting benefits to members, and the opportunity to showcase their business at Fratton Park.

Local Partners

Start-Up Tip of the Day

Getting help is never a bad thing...

When you start a business its very encompassing and at times can overwhelm dont try and do it all and end up loosing that fire that made you start your business in the first place. Bring someone onboard who can help you with even the smallest of tasks and find a work life balance